Elderly People and Medication

The use of medicines often increases as one grows older - to cure, control or ease ailments and it is important for these medications to be used correctly for them to be effective.

There can be an increased risk when elderly are taking medicines, as the aging body can be more susceptible to reactions from side effects and for those who have multiple illnesses and take multiple medicines. Failing memory and eyesight can also cause issues with the elderly when taking medication the way it has been prescribed by the doctor.

Carers for the elderly should learn and make note of what medicines the elder is taking and why they have been prescribed and also when they should be administered and for how long. Some medicines go by different names, especially when maybe a generic has been prescribed and if a medicine or packaging looks different to the usual, question your pharmacist about it, and make sure that you have a suitable explanation that what you have received is the correct one.

Medicines should be taken the way the doctor prescribed them, and it is important to know what to do if you have missed a dose or taken too much. Medicines should not be taken in the dark, read the labels and always check the expiry date.

It is not a good idea to store different medications in one container as at a later stage you may not be able to identify them or know when they expire. Discuss the possible side effects with your doctor so that you know what to expect and as some side effects disappear after a few days, others may need to have the dosage altered. Always check with your pharmacist before taking any herbal medicines in conjunction with prescription medicines.

Our livers become less efficient at breaking down medicines as we age and so are the kidneys less efficient at excreting them which means that normal adult doses may not be the desired dosage for a senior.

As we age forgetfulness sometimes becomes a problem, and one may have trouble remembering whether they have taken the medication that day or what the medication is for.

One should ask the pharmacist for large print labels on medicine containers if failing eyesight causes a problem with reading normal print labels.

Tablets and capsules should be taken with plenty of water, and if you experience problems with swallowing you should discuss with your pharmacist whether the same medicine can be dispensed in liquid or soluble form.

Nutrition is so important for an individual, and a good healthy eating plan should be followed.

Elderly People and Medication

The use of medicines often increases as one grows older - to cure, control or ease ailments and it is important for these medications to be used correctly for them to be effective.

There can be an increased risk when elderly are taking medicines, as the aging body can be more susceptible to reactions from side effects and for those who have multiple illnesses and take multiple medicines. Failing memory and eyesight can also cause issues with the elderly when taking medication the way it has been prescribed by the doctor.

Carers for the elderly should learn and make note of what medicines the elder is taking and why they have been prescribed and also when they should be administered and for how long. Some medicines go by different names, especially when maybe a generic has been prescribed and if a medicine or packaging looks different to the usual, question your pharmacist about it, and make sure that you have a suitable explanation that what you have received is the correct one.

Medicines should be taken the way the doctor prescribed them, and it is important to know what to do if you have missed a dose or taken too much. Medicines should not be taken in the dark, read the labels and always check the expiry date.

It is not a good idea to store different medications in one container as at a later stage you may not be able to identify them or know when they expire. Discuss the possible side effects with your doctor so that you know what to expect and as some side effects disappear after a few days, others may need to have the dosage altered. Always check with your pharmacist before taking any herbal medicines in conjunction with prescription medicines.

Our livers become less efficient at breaking down medicines as we age and so are the kidneys less efficient at excreting them which means that normal adult doses may not be the desired dosage for a senior.

As we age forgetfulness sometimes becomes a problem, and one may have trouble remembering whether they have taken the medication that day or what the medication is for.

One should ask the pharmacist for large print labels on medicine containers if failing eyesight causes a problem with reading normal print labels.

Tablets and capsules should be taken with plenty of water, and if you experience problems with swallowing you should discuss with your pharmacist whether the same medicine can be dispensed in liquid or soluble form.

Nutrition is so important for an individual, and a good healthy eating plan should be followed.

What Makes Older People Happy

Naturally, every older person would enjoy good health, the ability to get around and to be in a high income bracket. This would enable them to enjoy a lot of things. They do also enjoy living in a good neighbourhood with family or social support. A certain amount of independence is certainly high on the list. If an older person is still able to drive a car, or at least have some form of transport , it enables them to feel that they are self sufficient and not having to rely on others for every little whim.

If they cannot drive or do not have their own transport, to have an arrangement in place whereby they are collected on certain days to do their own shopping or go to a show, would make a big difference in their lives so that they are not having to ask a family member or a friend each time.

If it is possible, depending on the health of an elder, going for a walk is very beneficial to keep the joints and muscles mobile, and the mind alert. Exercise of any form, provided that it is not too strenuous, is stimulating, relieves stress and gives a feeling of well being. An elder enjoys the company of others during a time of exercise or at any other time socially. Loneliness can often cause depression.

Having social support from family and friends means a lot to an elder, the feeling that they do belong, and making new friends is difficult enough when one is young, but it is even more difficult when you are a senior citizen and having to live alone.

Very often all an elderly is looking for is someone to lend an ear, especially as and when they are probably not quite as active as they`d like to be. One can read books, watch TV, or be creative in other ways, but interaction with others is critical for an older person, finding that many younger people are inclined to be so busy that they don`t have the patience or the time to just have some conversation with an elder, and maybe hear the stories that have been told before. If one could just stop and ponder over what it would mean to an elder to have half an hour of quality time in a day to tell those stories or to say what is on their mind.

Of course nutrition is an important factor, a well nourished person is generally happy, and it is important to ensure that the elderly don`t neglect themselves when it comes to eating, especially those who are living on their own, when it would seem to be too much trouble to prepare good nutritious meals.

Caregivers and elderly Parents Stress

There are many sources of stress for caregivers as well as elderly parents. The pressures of day to day care, loss of loved ones, and all too often financial issues. Many seniors become frustrated once they realise that they are no longer able to take care of themselves and have to rely of their children to take care of their needs. This causes stress mentally and takes its toll physically and emotionally, causing many seniors to depend of alcohol or prescription drugs which in turn also leads to illness, depression, insomnia and many other health conditions.

Many seniors have the constant fear of developing Alzheimer`s or Parkinson`s whilst they are also fighting the battle of arthritis or chronic pain which often causes depression. As we all know that the saying goes “money isn`t everything” and it certainly isn`t, but the lack of it causes enough stress, so we have to say that financial worries certainly have a rippled effect on one`s life and health. Anxiety over lack of funds seems to hang over many elderly people, and unfortunately affects the way they eat, having to cut back on healthy nutritious meals.

Caregivers have issues of frustration and depression as well whilst caring for elderly parents. They often feel isolated and overwhelmed and reach the stage of burnout which is not healthy for both the caregiver and the elderly person. The demands of the elderly both emotionally and physically drains the caregivers resources and patience which often leads to guilt feelings on the part of the caregiver. It is important to have enough support whilst caregiving so that one can actually have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction during these years.

Whilst caregivers do their best to keep things running smoothly, they can find that they suffer from pounding heart rate or even chest pains, headaches, muscle aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea or constipation, or a change in weight whether it be loss or gain. At this stage one should evaluate the situation and seek help from family members or friends to allow the caregiver some much needed time out.

If one becomes moody or erratic and short tempered, it has a detrimental effect on all concerned, so that “time out” is of utmost importance just so that the caregiver feels that they have some quality time to themselves to do whatever pleases or satisfies them. After having regular time off, one feels refreshed and can enjoy giving their time to those in need.

Nutrition is always important in an individuals life. In time of need Meals on Wheels are committed to helping elderly people by providing them with nutritious, cooked meals.

Homecare safety for elderly Parents

The Older one gets, the more difficult it is to accept changes, and it is sometimes very difficult to convince a parent to change things in the home for their own safety.

The home would have to be elderly friendly which would allow safe and easy access for those who have to use walkers or even a cane. Seniors have the need to feel useful by doing activities and hobbies that interest them, and we have to be careful about when and how we should intervene.

The kitchen especially, can be a hazard if it is not Elderly Proofed. So many falls and accidents happen in the kitchen, with oil and spills causing one to slip, or when reaching for objects, injuries caused by appliances or objects placed in a microwave that are totally inappropriate. Its not the easiest task making the kitchen a safe area, but if you tackle one area at a time by looking around with a critical eye, and finding that the seemingly harmless things may very well be a potential threat for an elder who uses a cane, or who is suffering from dementia, check the floors, counter tops, cupboards and appliances.

Scatter rugs have been the cause of many elderly falls which have resulted in permanent disability, and so it would be best to remove these altogether, along with ensuring that all electrical cords are covered or well secured.

Flammable liquids should be stored out doors, in case of an unwanted fire spreading even further. Cupboards should have child-proof locks where dangerous cooking utensils or objects are stored, as well as medication.

It is a good idea to have a night light in the house to prevent an elder from being confused in the dark when having to get up during the night.

It is very easy to get overly protective of our elderly parents, as we certainly don`t want to see them getting hurt in any way, so it is difficult to know when to interfere, and they also need to have a sense of self, but remember that safety is essential and should come first.

People with Alzheimer`s often perk up if they have been given a task to do, whether it is folding laundry or placing flowers in a vase, and it is important to them to keep their dignity as they grow old and as each person is different, they should be able to do as much as they feel comfortable with as long as it doesn`t hurt them or anyone else.

Good nutrition is very important in the life of an elder, and one needs to ensure that their meals are healthy.

Stimulating the mind

It is believed that various forms of dementia can be slowed by stimulating brain activities, and there are games such as those that involve concentration and focus which can enhance the brain`s ability to utilize and stimulate brain cells and electrical connections and keep neural pathways open and functioning.

Card games and board games along with brain teasers including logic puzzles and crossword puzzles and the ever popular Sudoku are excellent ways of engaging mental functions such as problem solving, memory, processing of information and concentration.

Most Seniors enjoy interaction with others, and so games such as bingo, Card games, Trivial Pursuit or Charades are great for keeping them entertained, and games that combine mental and physical activity are excellent.

There are those elders who prefer solitary games such as crossword puzzles, but research has shown that engaging seniors in conversation is one of the best ways to help stimulate the mind and therefore games that involve interaction with others would be far more beneficial.

All games provide benefits, and those suffering from Alzheimer`s or dementia would benefit from calm interaction combined with music.

Regardless of physical condition and capabilities, stimulating and exercising the brain by learning new skills and activities keeps the mind healthy and active. There are many seniors who in their sixties, through to eighties have the memory capacity of a thirty year old which is very encouraging. Whilst family history and genetics play a role in brain health, there are ways in which to enhance cognitive skills.

Mentally stimulating games slow down the degeneration of neurotransmitters and increases the growth of new brain cells and this happens even in senior years, so to partake in such activities would leave the elder feeling invigorated and happy.

Exercise also plays a major role in enhancing and stimulating the body and the mind. Physically it keeps the muscles and joints supple which improves mobility, and not to mention how important it is to have a good eating plan in place. Good nutrition is vital for one`s health.

Create a balance between stimulation and rest, the elder in your house does not have to be on the go all day, and taking a nap and getting enough sleep at night is just as important, along with plenty of humour. A good laugh certainly makes one feel good, stimulates the brain and enhances learning.

Good nutrition is essential to all aspects of health, and this area should never be neglected. Healthy foods create grounds for good healthy living and vitality.

Meals on Wheels are committed to helping the elderly who are unable to fend for themselves. They provide them with nutritious, cooked meals. You can visit them on www.mowglobal.org

Longevity and what we eat

We are aware that the leading causes of death today are cancers, heart disease, strokes and complications from diabetes. In many instances these cases are directly linked to obesity.

The many different ethnic groups have health profiles that differ, but basically one needs to reduce fat intake, and introduce plenty of fibre into their daily diet. Disease processes such as osteoporosis and heart disease and diabetes can be slowed down by engaging in a physically active lifestyle and by paying attention to the foods consumed.

The elderly can prevent or slow down disease processes by making easy and effective changes to their diet, and by living an active life so that growing older does not have to mean that they are growing weaker.

The aging process is inevitable and nobody escapes it but there are often problems which can be avoided simply by adopting good habits. There are no guarantees in life, but making a few changes may be greatly beneficial in old age.

There is a large percentage of elderly adults who suffer from malnutrition; those who live alone or live below the poverty line, and then there are those who take prescription medications that may interfere with appetite, and malnutrition is a common factor in disease processes that might cause problems with vision, anaemia, gum and dental conditions and depression.

Our daily recommended allowances and calorie intake differs from our teens to adult years, and adjustments should be made in our diets from adult years into the senior years. More individuals are staying active into their eighties than before, and we should take note of their nutritional needs which include:

At least five servings of fruits and vegetables, plenty of fibre rich whole grains and cereals – preferably six servings, at least three servings of low fat dairy, and at least two servings of lean meat or poultry, eggs, fish or beans.

Nutrients that are essential include Vitamin B6, B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Calcium. Calcium helps to prevent reduced bone mass and it improves absorption of vitamins and minerals. Proteins and zinc, vitamin B6 and Vitamin E help to improve the immune system and Vitamin C, E and beta carotene offer antioxidant benefits as well as improve vision.

Meals on Wheels provide cooked meals to enhance nutrition for the elderly and to alleviate hunger. You can visit them on www.mowglobal.org